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In this Q&A interview, available both online and as a printable PDF, Melanie Stiassny talks about the diversity of life in the ocean and her work as an ichthyologist. She answers nearly 15 questions, including:

Can you give us an idea of the scale of the oceans?

I think most people are surprised by the diversity of life under the water and the sheer quantity of life in water. Can you address that?

You've observed that there's no fish the size of a whale. Why do you think that's the case?

Which marine ecosystems are especially vulnerable?

What are some of your favorite ocean animals?

One of the favorite attractions in the Milstein Family Hall of Ocean Life is the blue whale that hangs from the ceiling. Can you think of something about it that people may not know?

Completion Time

Less than 1 period

Teacher Tip

Supplement a study of biology or ocean life with an activity drawn from this look at how marine animals breathe.

Divide the class into eight groups, one for each of the major ocean ecosystems highlighted in the Hall of Ocean Life:

Kelp forests

Coral reefs

Mangrove forests

Deep sea

Ocean floor

Polar seas

Great estuaries

Continental shelf

Send students to this online interview, or print copies of it for them to read.

Have them research their ocean ecosystem and present a five-minute overview about what makes it unique to the class.